A higher calling

Two scientists from the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) are showcasing their ClimbTrack augmented-reality system for sport climbers at CeBIT – a solution with huge potential that has a bright future ahead.

11 Feb. 2016

Scientists Felix Kosmalla and Frederik Wiehr from the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) are coming to CeBIT 2016 in Hannover with perfect proof of what can be achieved when genuine passion is channeled into research and development. The two sport climbers are showcasing their innovation at the stand run by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). ClimbTrack was originally conceived to add an extra dimension to sport climbing, but it turns out the technology has massive potential for a whole lot of other applications besides, such as in healthcare.

At the heart of ClimbTrack’s technology lies the betaCube, a fully integrated system consisting of a 3D camera, projector and processing unit. The original concept makes it easy for sport climbers to record and analyze their training progress, but the betaCube is now also destined for use as a physiotherapy tool in the healthcare sector. By constantly monitoring body posture, the system can provide visual and audio feedback, giving patients instructions while they carry out exercises. For example, the betaCube could help patients to perform specific movements in the proper way to strengthen back muscles following an injury or if they are in pain.